Last Will And Testament

A will, sometimes formally referred to as a last will and testament, is a set of instructions to your loved ones. The primary purpose is to declare how you want your assets to be distributed upon your death. Your will can and should cover other matters.

The Texas estate planning attorneys of The Law Offices of Kennedy & Jackson represent individuals of all walks of life in Greater Houston and Harris County. We can create a “simple will” and powers of attorney or draft a comprehensive will in conjunction with a living trust and other sophisticated instruments.

EVERYONE NEEDS A LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT
ESTATE ATTORNEYS IN HOUSTON, TEXAS

Some people choose to give their heirs a copy of the will or a summary while they are alive. Most people choose to keep the contents of their will confidential. Either way, the important thing is to have a will that spells out your wishes with clarity and detail in the event of your death. You won’t get that from a do-it-yourself will.

Any issues that the will does not address — omissions or ambiguities — are most likely to cause delays or conflicts. That is where the knowledge of our board-certified estate planning lawyers comes in. From 30 years of drafting and probating wills, Thomas Kennedy andDavid Jackson, can help you cover all the bases.

They will sit down with you to gain an understanding of your assets, your goals and your wishes to create a will that addresses:

Specific persons or charities who will inherit

What specific assets or portion of the estate goes to each beneficiary

Nomination of guardians for your minor children

Appointment of an executor

Authorization for independent administration

Funeral arrangements

In conjunction with planning for death through a will, we emphasize planning for incapacity through powers of attorney and a health care directive.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T MAKE A WILL?

If you die without a will, the state will substitute an estate plan for you. Your assets will be distributed according to a statutory formula, which could be at odds with your intentions. You also cannot assume that your spouse or adult children will “take care of things.” Even if they know your wishes, their hands might be tied by the probate laws of Texas.

GET YOUR AFFAIRS IN ORDER

Our estate planning attorneys serve Greater Houston, Harris County and beyond. We are located in the Galleria area of Houston, with free on-site parking available next to our office building. We provide a complimentary and confidential consultation to all new potential clients.